Johnny Johnston combines abstract art and religion (slideshow)

Paintings imbued with symbolic images

By Kenneth Jessen For the Reporter-Herald

Posted:
03/06/2012 06:17:11 PM MST

Art is often the reflection of the artist's life -- be happy or filled with tragedy. After just three years of marriage, Johnny Johnston's wife died in his arms. This, and other events, has molded who he has become.

His art is a reflection of the healing process with his deep commitment to his Christian faith. Religious art is typically highly representational and often depicts individuals that are prominent in biblical stories. It is rare indeed that this type of art would take an abstract form as created by Johnston.

At times, Johnston includes faint hints of images that are important to a story and in other cases are symbolic. In his own words, he says, "My philosophy drives my life -- and my paintings. Every piece relates to a personal tragedy."

Even though painting started as a cathartic release, his colorful forms have found a market.

The process of creating a painting for him is spontaneous and not one that requires a great deal of advanced planning. Johnston will get an idea and says, "It takes me -- I don't take it." He allows the painting to reflect his mood and his mind-set at the moment.

Historical passages manifest themselves as a tapestry of colored shapes.

Layers are applied and as he rubs the paint onto the canvas, images start to emerge. At times, he will use a trowel and metallic powder.

He may over paint a half-dozen times, destroying previous images in the process, until he sees the right result.

The paintings are symbolic to Johnston but to the viewer, the story may not be obvious. Not all are religiously based.

One painting includes a self-portrait while others have nudes. Some are multiple images in different colors, and there is an abstract look at a guitar.

Johnston's background is deeply rooted in the South. He is a descendent of the Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, the highest ranking West Point graduate to defect to the Confederacy. His father was a World War II cryptographer who broke the Japanese code that allowed the United States fleet to find and destroy enemy vessels.

Johnston's first piece of art was in kindergarten -- a catfish done in finger-paints, but his degree is from the University of South Carolina in journalism.

His parents once ran a motel in Myrtle Beach, S.C., leading Johnston into a long and successful career in hotel management. It included a decade with Hilton Hotels and Resorts and 15 years with Marriott International. Most recently, he was director of sales and marketing for a hotel in Telluride.

Johnston has shown his work in Loveland and also has a display of many of his pieces at "The Eyes Have It" in downtown Fort Collins. Also, Johnston had an entertaining slide show set to music at kizoa.com/slideshow/d1507661k3333936o1.

Johnny Johnston has shown his work in Loveland and also has a display of many pieces in downtown Fort Collins. "Beach Music" is in the background, a piece created to remember the time Johnston spent growing up at Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Kenneth Jessen)